2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
Toyota’s new full-sized pickup truck, the Tundra, certainly caught our eye when it first arrived to work with us. This was over a decade in the making and we had plenty of expectations for it. We certainly liked what we experienced, even though there was still some fine tuning to be made.
We mentioned that there were two new engines underneath the Tundra’s hood. After our experience with the new twin-turbocharged i-FORCE V6, our curiosity turned to the new Hybrid version of the same engine. We didn’t have to wait too long to greet a 2022 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro with the i-FORCE MAX engine into our garage.
Like you, we’re curious if adding a hybrid electric component to the driveline will make a difference to Toyota’s new full-sized pickup truck.
Toyota’s pickup truck starts with a new fully-boxed frame, fully independent multilink rear suspension, and an entirely new driveline. All of this lies underneath a brand-new box and cab that on par with its competitors while being distractive from the rest.
The Tundra’s large grille gets a specific treatment for the TRD Pro. Instead of the logo, Toyota spells its name out above an integrated LED light bar. The rest of the cab features a rakish windshield angle and four large opening doors on this CrewMax version. Out back is a 5 1/2-foot box, which si all you need on the TRD Pro.
To round out the TRD Pro package, you get a set of 18-inch BBS alloy wheels, camo-like appliques on the wheel wheels and box trim. It also benefits from a raised ground clearance by 1.1 inches, thanks to a set of FOX shocks as part of the TRD Pro’s off-road suspension.
The Tundra’s interior certainly got a major upgrade for this new generation model. The TRD Pro model added some additional touches that distinguish from other trim levels. The 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster focuses on one large combination tachometer and speedometer, flanked by additional gauges and information that is clear to read. Above the center stack is a 14-inch multimedia screen that dominates the entire interior and for good reason. It houses everything including wireless smartphone connectivity and onboard Wi-Fi.
The red SofTex front seats are very large and tended to be on the firm side. Rear seat room offers generous leg and head room for three people across. In all, this is a very accommodating cabin with lots of storage space for practically everything. Even better, there is a shifter for the automatic transmission with TRD branding!
The sole powerplant for the Tundra TRD Pro starts with the aforementioned i-FORCE MAX engine combining a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with a hybrid driveline. That puts out a combined 437 horsepower with 583 pound-feet of torque. This driveline isconnected to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel drive system using a 2-speed transfer case.
In this configuration, the maximum tow capacity is 11,175 pounds with a maximum payload rating of 1,600 pounds.
The overall performance is better than the non-hybrid Tundra we tested a few months back. We found the acceleration effortless with quieter cruising on the highway. We also averaged 18.1 MPG for fuel economy – another improvement on the non-hybrid model.
The independent front and rear suspension systems have been enhanced with the addition of FOX shocks and thicker stabilizer bars on the TRD Pro model. The additional inch ride height added more comfort to create a smoother ride quality overall.
The way the Tundra TRD Pro handles rougher sections of road makes it a joy to drive. Handling is much more controlled with some lean and roll on some curves.
The brakes were fantastic, offering a solid pedal feel and great response to the wheels. The Tundra TRD Pro returned good normal and panic stops. The turning radius was considered average among full-size half-ton pickup truck, as does the on-center feel. The TRD Pro exhibited better steering control over other Tundra models.
The 2022 Toyota Tundra comes in seven trim levels with two cab choices, three bed sizes, and three engines. Pricing for the Tundra lineup starts at $35,950. Our TRD Pro tester came with a sticker price of $68,760.
The Tundra TRD Pro competes in a sub-segment of off-road ready full-sized half-ton pickup trucks built for fun, as well as work. These challengers include the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Trail Boss and ZR2, GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 and AT4X, Ford F-150 Tremor and Raptor, Ram 1500 Rebel, and Nissan Titan PRO4X.
While the Toyota Tundra should be considered along with then leaders in this segment, you would have to choose one. Maybe the TRD Pro is it? We believe so – especially if you rather have more fun than go to work.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
